When assessing a patient with a fracture, what is the priority nursing consideration?
Monitoring the patient's pain level
Assessing the neurovascular status of the affected limb
Evaluating the range of motion in nearby joints
Instructing the patient about cast care
The Correct Answer is B
Assessing the neurovascular status of the affected limb is the priority nursing consideration in a patient with a fracture. Checking for pulses, capillary refill, sensation, and motor function helps identify neurovascular compromise, which requires immediate intervention to prevent potential tissue damage and complications.
a. Monitoring the patient's pain level is essential, but it is not the priority over assessing neurovascular status. Pain management can be addressed after ensuring the limb's vascular and neurological integrity.
c. Evaluating the range of motion in nearby joints is important for overall assessment, but it is not as critical as assessing neurovascular status in a patient with a fracture.
d. Instructing the patient about cast care is necessary, but it is not the priority consideration when the patient's neurovascular status is at risk.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
: Educating the patient about signs of neurovascular compromise, such as changes in sensation, color, or temperature of the limb, is essential to ensure early detection of potential complications and timely intervention.
a. Encouraging the patient to bear full weight on the cast immediately is not recommended, as weight-bearing should follow the healthcare provider's instructions, which may involve partial weight-bearing initially.
b. Instructing the patient to elevate the casted limb above the heart can help reduce swelling but may not be the primary focus of discharge teaching for a newly applied cast.
c. Advising the patient to use a heating pad on the cast to relieve discomfort is not recommended, as excessive heat can damage the cast and increase the risk of skin irritation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A closed fracture is a fracture where the skin remains intact over the fractured bone, and there is no open wound at the site of the fracture.
a. A fracture where the bone breaks through the skin: This type of fracture is known as an open or compound fracture, where the bone pierces through the skin.
b. A fracture where the bone is out of alignment: This type of fracture is known as a displaced fracture, where the bone fragments are not aligned properly.
c. A fracture where the bone is completely broken in two: A complete fracture refers to a fracture that results in two separate bone fragments, but it does not necessarily involve the skin.
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